A CNN Host Let a Muslim Cleric Speak Freely. What He Said about Journalism, Terrorism and Sharia Law in America Left the Host Speechless

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British Muslim activist Anjam Choudary appeared on CNN’s “Reliable Sources” Sunday morning, and while host Brian Stelter seemed as if he was working hard to give the cleric a fair shake, the veteran journalist couldn’t help but get exasperated as Choudary steadfastly defended his radical Islamic ideology — and joked about 9/11.

Besides saying that he thought he won his epic shouting match with Fox News’ Sean Hannity earlier in the week, Choudary refused to condemn the recent beheading of American journalist James Foley by the Islamic State.

Middle Eastern Muslims don’t see any difference between Western military members and civilians “because the general populace of America have re-voted for people like [President Barack] Obama and [former President George W.] Bush, who continue their policy of tyranny in the area,” Choudary claimed.

Journalists are “the propaganda machine of the Obama administration” in the eyes of Middle Eastern Muslims, Choudary added.

“That’s a crazy thing to say given that the only reason you know about the abuses of Abu Ghraib is because of American journalists,” Stelter interjected. “The only reason why you know about the abuses at Guantanamo Bay are because of American journalists.”

Choudary was outspoken about his beliefs: “I believe that Sharia is the best way of life, and one day it will come to America.”

Choudary argued that no true Muslim interprets the Quran differently from he, and said that so-called “moderate” Muslims are probably paid by Western governments to speak out against “radical” Islam.

“Give me a break, now you’re just making up stuff,” Stelter exclaimed in response.

Later, Stelter confronted Choudary about what the cleric had done during the show’s sound check.

Instead of counting to 10, as guests typically do during a sound check, Choudary rattled off terrorism dates, including 7/7 (the date of the 2005 London bombings) and 9/11.

Choudary didn’t apologize.

“If you had a sense of humor, maybe you would have laughed,” he told Stelter. “It’s not a big deal.”

Stelter seemed disbelieving as he ended the segment saying, “I have nothing more to say.”